Sands of Fate

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Her breath hitched in her throat, and she froze. Jahan's eyes widened as he turned his head slightly, straining to listen. The footsteps were faint, barely audible over the soft rustle of leaves, but they were unmistakable-someone, or something, was approaching.

Solasra's mind raced. There was no time to run now, no way to escape without being seen. She motioned for Jahan to stay still, pressing her back against the dune, hoping the shadows would be enough to conceal them.

The footsteps grew louder, closer, and Solasra's heart pounded so violently in her chest she was sure whoever was out there could hear it. She tightened her grip on the knife, ready to defend herself if needed.

And then, as suddenly as they had started, the footsteps stopped.

For a few agonizing moments, there was nothing but silence. Solasra's pulse thudded in her ears as she strained to hear any sign of movement. Her muscles ached from the tension, but she didn't dare move, not yet.

A soft rustle broke the silence-someone was shifting through the brush, not far from where they were hiding. Solasra's breath caught as she caught a glimpse of movement again, this time clearer. A figure, dressed in dark, tattered clothing, was crouching near the oasis, their face obscured by a hood.

Jahan's fingers brushed her arm, and when she glanced at him, his expression was one of alarm. He had seen the figure too.

Solasra shook her head slightly, signaling for him to stay quiet. They couldn't risk revealing themselves. Not until they knew more.

The figure remained crouched near the edge of the oasis, rummaging through something on the ground-perhaps gathering water, or inspecting the plants near the pool. Solasra's mind raced with possibilities. Could it be a scout? A bandit? Whoever they were, they didn't appear to be aware of her and Jahan's presence.

After what felt like an eternity, the figure stood, adjusting the hood over their face, and began to walk away from the oasis. Solasra's pulse slowed slightly as the figure disappeared behind the dunes, their footsteps fading into the distance.

She let out a shaky breath and turned to Jahan, her voice barely above a whisper. "We need to go. Now."

Jahan didn't argue. Together, they moved quickly but cautiously, keeping low to the ground as they made their way back toward the camp. The wind had picked up again, swirling the sand around them, but Solasra's mind was focused on one thing-getting back before anyone noticed they were gone.

As they crested the final dune and the faint glow of their camp came into view, Solasra allowed herself to breathe a little easier. They were almost home. Almost safe.

But as they approached the camp, her unease returned. She couldn't shake the image of the hooded figure near the oasis, nor the strange stillness of the desert. Something wasn't right. And whatever it was, it was getting closer.